China urges diplomatic solution on Iran after US blacklisting

China on Monday urged all parties to be committed to a diplomatic solution on the Iranian nuclear issue after the United Statesblacklisted additional companies and individuals suspected of evading earlier sanctions against Iran.

The US move on Thursday sparked anger from Iran, which halted talks with representatives of world powers in Vienna at an event designed to work out the details of a November deal.

The P5+1 group, which includes the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany, struck a deal with Iran in Geneva on Nov. 24, in which Iran agreed to freeze part of its nuclear program in exchange for limited ease of sanctions, which have hurt its economy.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing on Monday that Iran's framework agreement with the P5+1 group marked "an important step" for a diplomatic solution on the issue and called for all parties to follow the principles of mutual respect during the implementation of the deal.

"All parties should be committed to a diplomatic solution on the issue and strike while the iron is hot so that we can take the first steps as soon as possible," Hua said.

China will continue to advocate peace and talks and play a constructive role in achieving a comprehensive and proper solution on the issue, she said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Sunday that Iran will continue with negotiations in Geneva with seriousness despite the "inappropriate moves" from the United States.